Cook Islands

Souvenirs from Cook Islands

You can find many fantastic tribal souvenirs from Cook Islands, perfect for maintaining that exotic flavor in your life. The easiest and most fashionable way to do this may be by purchasing brightly colored pareus in every color imaginable. Whether worn as a scarf, dress, jacket or skirt, or even used as a table cloth, these make ideal mementos for everyday occasions. Tiaevae, or quilting, is a beautiful cloth art practiced by the local women in communal groups, and features floral patterns on blankets. Fascinating Cook Islander souvenirs can be found at the post office, where you can pick up colorful currency or stamps celebrating heads of state and entertainers from around the world. The heady scents of the island flora can be enjoyed in perfumes and body products, readily available in open-air markets and shops. Of course, lively images of animals, landscapes and local landmarks are emblazoned on postcards, T-shirts, refrigerator magnets and key chains.

Cook Islander Souvenirs

Each of the individual islands has a distinctive form of wood carving, although they may seem similar to the untrained eye. Dependent on the location, you will find chairs, staffs, and deities. One image to look out for is Tangaroa, a sea god. A pate is a tubular wooden instrument that is beaten with a stick, much like a drum. Carved with intricate designs, this makes a fascinating gift for a music lover or young child, particularly one that doesn't belong to you. The art of weaving is another art form refined over the centuries on the Cook Islands, resulting in many lovely examples, perfect for memorabilia of your trip. A rito hat, woven from coconut fibers, is beautifully worn by the island women to church and other special daytime events. A variant of the rito has a decorated hatband, made from handpainted pupu shells, sewn on by hand.